Obituaries
EVELYN BELL NUMEROW
With deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Evelyn Numerow at her home in Richmond, BC on the morning of December 26, 2020.
Evelyn will be dearly missed by her children Leonard (Danna), David (Susan), and Michael, her sister Gail Nep and nephew Dustin Shore (Michelle Livingston), her grandchildren Kevin, Allison, Jennifer, Jeffery, Logan, Benjamin and her great-niece Jaden. She also leaves many cousins and relatives including William (Ann) Gleberzon and family, Sandy (Howard) Collerman and family, and Mickey (Gerry) Namak and family. Mom will also be greatly missed by her special friend Harris Gulko.
Evelyn was predeceased by husbands Kenneth Numerow (1990), Samuel Brownstone (2002), her parents Jennie (2002) and Louis Nep (1954), her brother Gerald Nep (2009) and Gail’s husband Blair Dawe (2002)
Mom was born at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, growing up in the North End. After the unfortunate early passing of her father Louis, she almost single-handedly raised her sister Gail, while her mother worked. After obtaining her Manitoba’s teachers certificate, she taught at Collicut school for several years before settling down to have her 3 boys. During those childhood years, mom was a staunch supporter of Jewish education for her children, becoming active on the Rosh Pina Synagogue Education Committee and supporting the boys through their USY days. From there she became active in Sisterhood, becoming President for many years during the 1990’s. She was especially proud for being the Honoree for the 2011 Etz Chayim Torah Fund Brunch.
Evelyn was also a wonderful cook and pastry chef. After refining these talents at the Synagogue for many years, she co-founded the bakery “How Sweet It Is”, providing pastries to locations including the Westin hotel for many years. And everybody truly loved her masterpiece creation: the Brandy Alexander Torte. After this, she ran the family business, Numerow Trading Company, successfully for more than 30 years. Mom also had a strong love for music. In her early days, she was active in high school musicals and productions. As children, the boys all remember music continually playing in the house or cottage on her favorite radio station CJOB. Later in life, she received pleasure from leading and participating in singing at multiple Sisterhood conventions. She passed this love for music onto her children and all of her grandchildren. You should have seen her kvel when Logan was given the honor to sing the Kol Nidre prayer at shul in Richmond! Evelyn was also a regular attendee and supporter of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Mom also loved to spend winters with her sister Gail, family, and friends in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Thank you to our special friend in Mexico Kina Castaneda for all of her help there. And it was in Mexico that mom solidified the special relationship she had with Dustin, since he was a child. Dustin “loved his Auntie Evy” like a mother.
In 2003, the family discovered a summer vacation spot in Okanagan Falls, BC. Mom spent many hot summers with her children and grandchildren swimming in the beautiful waters and tasting incredible wines throughout the countryside.
In 2010, Mom met the next love of her life, Harris Gulko. They spent many happy years together in Winnipeg, Okanagan Falls, and Puerto Vallarta, eventually moving to Richmond BC in 2017 to be closer to both of their families.
Everybody will remember Evelyn for her strength, wisdom, charm, and great sense of humor. We can still hear her contagious laugh. And she cared deeply for everybody around her.
We want to express special thanks to Yuko Abeyama and her team of so many wonderful caregivers from Nikoniko Quality Care in Richmond, BC. who helped mom to live with comfort and dignity at home, for those last 6 months.
Evelyn was interred beside her husband Ken at the Shaarey Zedek cemetery in Winnipeg, MB, Canada on Wed. Dec. 30, 2020. Shiva was observed privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Beth Tikvah Congregation & Centre of Richmond, BC.
Obituaries
Dr. VELIMIR KON B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc., Ph.D. September 18, 1950-June 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Velimir Kon, or Shlomo, beloved husband of Branka and father of Deborah and Lea. Velimir was an accomplished teacher and academic, and he was renowned for his intellectualism, humility and humanity.
A gentle soul who was always sociable and who genuinely loved people, Velimir was equally at home in the university classroom as a professor and as a secondary school Biology, Chemistry and Math teacher in Northern Ontario (Big Trout Lake) and Manitoba (God’s River, Berens River). Velimir made a difference to many First Nations students throughout a career that spanned decades. He was dedicated to his students, colleagues and family. An adept and talented pianist, Velimir enjoyed the arts and of course Jewish humour. He was an avid shul goer and supporter of Israel and enjoyed his duties in shul as a Kohayn. Velimir was a man of faith who was able to fuse his love of science and Judaism.
Born in Croatia, Europe (the former Yugoslavia) to Shoah survivors Rose (Rochel, ne Lederer) and Arnold Kon (Ariel), Velimir immigrated to Canada with his wife and girls in 1988, making many personal sacrifices along the way to ensure a peaceful and safe life for his family. Adaptability and optimism characterized Velimir. Known for his heart of gold, Velimir touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. A love of Jewish values, family values and life-long learning and education characterized Velimir. With his charming, outgoing and friendly personality, Velimir welcomed everyone into his life and into our home.
His kindness, humour, generosity and goodness will be deeply missed by his family and friends in Winnipeg, Victoria, B.C., Guelph, ON, Osijek, Croatia, Belgrade, Serbia, Los Angeles and Boston, U.S.A., and Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and Karmiel. Baruch Dayan Haemet.
A traditional funeral was held on June 30, 2025 at the Hebrew Sick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can still be made to Chabad Lubavitch of Winnipeg, B’nai Brith or the JNF.
Velimir will be forever missed and cherished by Branka, Deborah and Lea.
Obituaries
ELAINE BEVERLEY KAPLAN
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister and aunt, Elaine Kaplan. She died on June 24, just a month shy of her 69th birthday.
She was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 months ago, and was given about six months to live, which she was able to exceed with great courage and determination.
Elaine was predeceased by our father Phil Kaplan and mother Bess Kaplan. She is survived by her brothers Gerry (Nancy Hughes), Allan (Rennie) and Sheldon (Mona), along with her nieces and nephews.
Elaine was able to remain at home up until a few days prior to her passing at the St. Boniface Hospital, which was her wish. She was employed by the Canada Revenue Agency for the majority of her career. She loved nature and was devoted to feeding the neighbourhood squirrels and birds. She also adopted and cared for many rescue rabbits over the years. Her family was important to her, and she loved attending family weddings and barbecues.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a pet rescue of your choice.
Obituaries
ALAN KLUNER
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Alan Kluner passed away on July 11, 2025 at the young age of 66. Alan had a very good life despite some ongoing health challenges he met head on for the majority of his life. He loved family and was a very kind and loving son, brother and uncle.
Born in Winnipeg, Alan developed a small but close circle of friends he maintained for many years. His passions were following his sports teams (Jets, Vikings, Bombers) and attending numerous rock concerts.
Alan is survived by his oldest brother Martin (Reesa), his sister-in-law Hanna, his four nephews and nieces Mickey (Stephanie), Corey (Sean), Zev (Kristen), Elana (Danny), and his great-nephews and great-nieces Mason, Lucy, Nora, Remy and Enzo.
He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Phyllis, brother Kerry, and uncle Alvin Mantell.
Alan’s funeral service was graveside at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery on Tuesday July 15, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were: Martin Kluner, Mickey Kluner, Corey Kluner, Elana Kluner, Henry Goldfeld, and Alan Levine. Honorary pallbearer was Albert Yanofsky.
For those who wish, donations in Alan’s memory may be made to Diabetes Canada or the charity of your choice.